Call Now | (412) 981-2400
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious medical conditions a person can experience. It can affect brain function in various ways, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. In some cases, TBIs can cause permanent disability or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries occur due to external forces impacting the brain, whether through direct impact, sudden movement, or penetrating injuries. The causes of TBIs vary widely, ranging from falls and motor vehicle accidents to workplace hazards, sports injuries, and violent attacks.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the leading causes of TBIs, explains who is at risk, discusses how these injuries affect the brain, and offers prevention strategies to help reduce the likelihood of severe brain trauma.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a forceful blow, jolt, or penetrating object disrupts normal brain function. TBIs vary in severity, from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.
Symptoms of mild TBIs include:
Mild TBIs generally resolve within a few weeks, but repetitive concussions can lead to permanent brain changes, such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, accounting for nearly half of all emergency room visits related to TBIs.
Who is at Risk? Older adults are at a higher risk of fall-related TBIs due to declining balance, muscle weakness, and medical conditions such as osteoporosis. Young children are also at risk, especially toddlers learning to walk or kids playing on playgrounds. Workers in high-risk jobs, such as construction and roofing, face an increased chance of falling from heights.
Common Fall Scenarios Leading to TBI
Fall Prevention Strategies Some of the most effective ways to prevent fall-related TBIs include installing handrails and grab bars in bathrooms and stairways, using non-slip flooring, improving lighting to enhance visibility, encouraging balance and strength training for older adults, and ensuring that workers wear helmets and protective gear in high-risk environments.
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most severe causes of TBIs. The rapid deceleration, impact, or whiplash effect in crashes can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to serious injuries.
Common Types of Brain Injuries in Car Accidents Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain moves back and forth inside the skull, causing damage on both sides. Diffuse axonal injuries result from rapid rotational forces that tear brain structures. Brain contusions, or bruising of brain tissue, can also occur due to direct impact.
Prevention Strategies for Motor Vehicle-Related TBIs To reduce the risk of TBI in car accidents, drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts, use proper child safety seats, avoid distracted driving, follow speed limits, and ensure that airbags are functional to cushion impact forces.
Sports, especially high-contact activities like football, boxing, hockey, soccer, and cycling, are a major source of traumatic brain injuries.
How Do Sports Cause Brain Injuries? Athletes often suffer concussions due to direct head impacts from collisions or falls. Repeated head injuries have been linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition that can cause memory loss, depression, impulse control issues, and dementia-like symptoms.
Preventing TBIs in Sports Preventing sports-related TBIs involves enforcing helmet use, educating players on safe playing techniques, and ensuring strict concussion protocols that prevent athletes from returning to play too soon after an injury.
High-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation account for a significant portion of workplace-related TBIs.
Common Workplace Hazards That Lead to TBI
Workplace Safety Measures Preventing TBIs in the workplace requires strict safety regulations, mandatory protective gear, regular safety training, and adherence to OSHA guidelines to identify and mitigate risks.
A TBI should never be ignored. If a person experiences a head injury and shows signs such as loss of consciousness, severe headaches, repeated vomiting, confusion, difficulty speaking, seizures, or vision and balance problems, immediate medical attention is necessary. A doctor will assess the severity of the injury through neurological examinations, imaging tests such as CT scans, and other diagnostic methods.
What are the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries? The most common causes of TBIs include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, workplace accidents, and violent incidents such as assaults or gunshot wounds. Among these, falls are the leading cause, particularly among older adults and young children.
How can a concussion impact long-term brain health? A single concussion may cause temporary cognitive and physical symptoms, but repeated concussions can lead to long-term consequences. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head trauma, causing memory loss, mood disorders, and cognitive decline over time.
How do car crashes cause brain injuries? Car crashes cause TBIs by subjecting the brain to sudden acceleration, deceleration, or rotational forces. The brain can strike the inside of the skull, causing bruising, tearing, or swelling. Whiplash injuries, direct impacts with the dashboard or airbags, and ejection from the vehicle increase the likelihood of severe brain trauma.
What are the symptoms of a mild TBI or concussion? Mild TBIs, commonly known as concussions, can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light or noise. Symptoms may last for a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and whether proper rest and recovery guidelines are followed.
Can a TBI occur without loss of consciousness? Yes, a person can sustain a TBI without losing consciousness. Many mild and moderate TBIs cause cognitive impairment, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty concentrating without causing a complete loss of consciousness. Even a seemingly minor impact can result in brain injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to negligence, such as a car accident, workplace hazard, or assault, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
A personal injury lawyer can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate settlements to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Seeking legal guidance is essential, as insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
To protect your rights and secure your future, contact Matzus Law, LLC today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Helping each and every one of our clients with tenacious representation when they need a strong and passionate advocate.
Maztus Law
Maztus Law